UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS

Mental Health

UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS

How can chronic pain from arthritis affect my mental health?

Arthritis can harm your mental health, especially if you have chronic pain. You may be in a worse mood and feel more irritable, sad, or worried. Two mental health conditions often affect people with arthritis—anxiety and depression.

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MENTAL HEALTH

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Arthritis and these mental health conditions can lead to each other. The pain and stress of having arthritis can lead to anxiety and depression. Also, anxiety and depression can increase inflammation, 1 of the factors that causes arthritis.

Here are symptoms of common mental health conditions that affect people living with arthritis and autoimmune diseases: 

Anxiety

Anxiety is feeling fear or restlessness. With
anxiety, you may feel:

  • Tense
  • Dizzy
  • Your heart is beating fast

Some anxiety is normal and may help you focus. But it can be a problem if you feel very anxious or feel anxious all the time.

Depression

Depression is feeling sadder than usual or
uninterested in your normal activities. With
depression, you may notice:

  • Changes in your weight or sleep
  • Less energy
  • Difficulty thinking
  • Feeling hopeless or guilty


Some people with depression may misuse alcohol or drugs. They may also think about hurting themselves.

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